HE WAS just eight months old when he fell ill and was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

But now it’s a year later and things are finally looking up for little Alfie Butler and his family as he undergoes medical treatment for his condition.

The Romsey youngster was joined by his parents James and Charlotte and big brother Harry to jet off to the USA days before Christmas after being given the news that the NHS would fund proton beam therapy.

And now, just over a quarter of the way through the gruelling programme of treatment, his family say they have been pleased by the progress their son is making.

Speaking to the Daily Echo from Jacksonville, Florida, James said that the whole family accompanies Alfie to the hospital, where he begins treatment shortly after 7.15am each day.

He said: “So far it’s going really well. Alfie is doing remarkably well and we are yet to see any of the side effects that are common with this treatment.

“We know it’s still early days but we just take one day at a time and do our very best to enjoy and make the most of it. Things so far are going a lot better than we expected.

“Due to Alfie’s early appointments and the fact that Alfie is coping so well it has meant we have been able to get out and about.

“The weather has been amazing and as we are only 10 miles from the coast we have been visiting numerous beaches – we actually spent Christmas Day on the beach which was incredible.”

After Alfie’s diagnosis the family were forced to move into the dedicated Ronald McDonald House, based at Southampton General Hospital, to ensure they could be by Alfie’s side around the clock.

They are all optimistic but have realistic expectations and even after the proton therapy has finished they will be forced to wait for weeks on end to find out if it has been successful.

And although the experience is far from an easy one they say that being able to keep in touch with friends and loved ones has been a source of comfort.

James said: “We are missing our family and friends but thanks to modern technology we have daily contact with everyone back home.

“It’s been amazing that Alfie and Harry can see and talk to their loved ones.

“Alfie has continually surprised us with his strength and determination.

“We are so proud of him and Harry too.”

Visit Alfie’s Facebook page at facebook.com/supportingalfie.